HARPER, Maryland – The Global Methodist Church recently conducted a leadership training session for church leaders in Maryland County as part of its efforts to strengthen the newly established denomination in Liberia.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr, Contributing Writer
The training, held on Saturday, March 29 at the Methodist Church in Harper City, attracted church leaders and members from Barrobo, Karluway, Pleebo, and Harper districts.
These members recently separated from the United Methodist Church (UMC) due to disagreements over the church’s stance on same-sex marriage.
A delegation from Monrovia led the training, including suspended United Methodist University (UMU) faculty member and pastor of the 72nd United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Jerry Kular, and former University of Liberia president, Dr. Julius Mawlo Nelson. The two-day session focused on the principles, mission, and vision of the Global Methodist Church.
Rev. Dr. Kular emphasized that the training was intended to educate members about the church’s opposition to same-sex marriage. Referring to Amos 3:3, he said, “Two cannot walk unless they agree. How can we remain with the United Methodist Church when they support same-sex marriage, but we do not?”
The Global Methodist Church officially launched in Liberia on February 14, following a split from the United Methodist Church. The movement originated in the United States in 2022, when evangelical leaders within the UMC disagreed with what they saw as the church’s growing support for homosexuality.
Dr. Julius Mawlo Nelson, the deputy lead facilitator, encouraged attendees to stay true to their faith and reject beliefs that contradict their principles. “This is what God expects. When something goes against your faith, you step away from it,” he urged.
Attendees, represented by Mr. Augustine Krah, thanked the facilitators for their guidance and assured them that the teachings would be put into practice. “This is a new chapter in our faith, and we will continue to follow the teachings of the Bible,” Krah said.
The division within the Methodist churches in the county remains ongoing, with UMC members continuing to worship separately, while the Global Methodists gather in the original buildings.
